Matt Holliday Advocates for Thad Levine as Rockies Pursue New Leadership
The Colorado Rockies find themselves at a pivotal crossroads as they embark on a search for a new leader in baseball operations. With the recent resignation of general manager Bill Schmidt, the organization has signaled a willingness to explore candidates beyond its own ranks. This marks a notable shift in strategy, led by Walker Monfort—executive vice president and son of owner Dick Monfort—who is committed to broadening the search.
Candidates Under Consideration
Three candidates have reportedly been interviewed so far, with James Click, the former general manager of the Houston Astros and a World Series champion, leading the pack. The other two candidates are assistant general managers currently employed by their respective teams, neither of whom possesses experience managing a front office. Among the names that have surfaced during this process is Thad Levine, a former Rockies executive who played a role in the organization from 1999 to 2005 before moving on to serve as assistant GM for the Texas Rangers and eventually the general manager for the Minnesota Twins.
Holliday’s Push for Levine’s Inclusion
Interestingly, Levine’s name has not appeared in discussions regarding interviews for the Rockies’ vacant position, which has raised eyebrows given his historical ties to the franchise. This has prompted former Rockies star Matt Holliday to publicly advocate for Levine’s candidacy. “I love Thad Levine, but I don’t know if he’ll get an interview,” Holliday remarked, expressing his surprise at Levine’s exclusion. “But I don’t know why he wouldn’t.” His sentiments reflect a broader concern among Rockies fans and insiders about the necessity of considering a wide range of candidates to ensure the best possible hire.
Holliday, who was drafted by the Rockies in the seventh round of the 1998 draft, shares a history with Levine that dates back to their time together in the organization. Although Holliday made his major league debut in 2004, the groundwork for their professional relationship was laid during Levine’s tenure as an assistant director of baseball administration.
The Case for Home-Field Advantage
While Holliday refrained from detailing specific reasons for Levine’s candidacy, he did hint at the qualities he believes the Rockies need in their next leader. “Coors has to be the home-field advantage that it can be and has been in the past,” he stated. “The Rockies should know the pros and cons, and what works and what doesn’t at Coors, better than anybody else. It should be the greatest home-field advantage in the sport.” This perspective underscores a critical aspect of the Rockies’ identity and their potential for future success.
Levine may not have had substantial influence over major league roster construction during his time with the Rockies, but his experience navigating the intricacies of Coors Field could be invaluable. As the Rockies continue their search, Holliday’s endorsement may serve as a catalyst for bringing Levine into the conversation, raising the stakes in an already crucial decision for the franchise’s future.
